World Cup roundup: Teen lifts Belgium past Russia

RIO DE JANEIRO — Teenage forward Divock Origi turned a listless Belgian performance into a late 1-0 win over Russia on Sunday, enough to qualify for the next round of the World Cup with two straight victories.

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By The Associated Press

recordonline.com

By The Associated Press

Posted Jun. 22, 2014 at 10:35 PM
Updated Jun 22, 2014 at 10:47 PM

By The Associated Press

Posted Jun. 22, 2014 at 10:35 PM
Updated Jun 22, 2014 at 10:47 PM

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RIO DE JANEIRO — Teenage forward Divock Origi turned a listless Belgian performance into a late 1-0 win over Russia on Sunday, enough to qualify for the next round of the World Cup with two straight victories.

Belgium barely contained a reinvigorated Russia for most of the match, yet struck with a blistering final spurt of class and opportunism to turn a bad situation into a wild celebration for coach Marc Wilmots in the 88th minute and hugs all around at the fulltime.

"It was not easy, but we never gave up," Wilmots said.

After its dour 1-1 draw with South Korea, Russia produced the kind of sparkle and dominance that most had been expected more from Belgium in front of 73,819 increasingly restless fans at Maracana stadium.

With Belgian King Philippe looking on, substitute Kevin Mirallas hit a freekick against the post in 84th minute, setting off a late revival. At first it looked like late moves from Eden Hazard would only camouflage a dismal performance.

But then the playmaker made a move into the area on the left and spotted Origi free in the center. A pinpoint pass from Hazard and cool right-foot finishing from the 19-year-old Origi gave Belgium more than it deserved.

PORTO ALEGRE, Brazil — irst half strikes by Islam Slimani and Rafik Halliche helped Algeria to beat South Korea 4-2 on Sunday and become the first African team to score four goals in a World Cup match.

Algeria led 3-0 at halftime, but withstood a stronger South Korean second half performance to claim its first World Cup win since 1982 and move into second place in Group H with one match left to play.

Defeat for South Korea means it must now beat already-qualified Belgium to stand a chance of progressing to the knockout stages.

Belgium leads with six points, Algeria now has three, while Russia and the South Koreans have one apiece.

Slimani, one of three Algeria scorers who didn't start in the opening 2-1 loss to Belgium, broke the deadlock in the 26th minute with a fine solo goal, running onto a through ball between two defenders and then touching it past Jung Sung-ryong.

Two minutes after the restart, defender Rafik Halliche powerfully headed in a corner after Jung came off his line but failed to make contact with the ball

Algeria added a third goal in the 38th when Abdelmoumene Djabou side-footed home from close to the penalty spot after Slimani pulled the ball back for him.

South Korea didn't manage a shot on target all half, and struggled to break down Algeria's attacks.